The Ferment journal
Plain, calm answers to the questions that come up when you start fermenting at home. What is normal, what is not, and how to get a good batch every time. Your first ferment, without the fear.
Getting started
Sauerkraut
First time making sauerkraut: what to expect, day by day
A calm, day-by-day walk through your first sauerkraut jar, so the cloudy brine, bubbles, and sour smell read as success instead of trouble.
9 min readSauerkrautHow long does it take to ferment sauerkraut? A temperature timeline
A temperature-by-temperature timeline for sauerkraut, plus the taste tests that tell you exactly when your batch is done.
9 min readSauerkrautHow to make small-batch sauerkraut in a mason jar (one head of cabbage)
One head of cabbage, a quart jar, and salt turn into crisp homemade sauerkraut on your counter, no special gear required.
9 min readSalt and brine
How much salt per pound of cabbage for sauerkraut
The exact salt-to-cabbage ratio for crisp, safe sauerkraut, with a per-pound table and a quick fix for when you over- or under-salt.
8 min readSalt and brineHow to measure salt for fermentation (the 2% method)
Learn how to measure salt for fermentation by weight using the simple 2% rule, so you can ferment almost any vegetable without a recipe.
9 min readTroubleshooting
How to tell if fermented vegetables have gone bad (safe vs toss)
A four-signal checklist (smell, look, texture, taste) that tells you in 30 seconds whether your ferment is safe to eat or needs to go in the compost.
10 min readTroubleshootingIs it normal for sauerkraut to smell bad while fermenting?
A funky, eggy smell in the first week is usually fine: here is how to tell normal sauerkraut funk from true spoilage.
7 min readTroubleshootingIs the white film on my ferment mold or kahm yeast?
A quick texture-and-color test to tell harmless kahm yeast from mold, plus what to skim, what to toss, and how to keep your jars clear.
9 min readOn the App Store
Ferment for iPhone
This page is the free version. The app runs these numbers for every batch you start, sends a reminder when it’s ready, and shows you side-by-side photos so you can tell mold from kahm in seconds.
Get it on the App Store7-day free trial, then $29.99/year or $4.99/month. Cancel anytime.
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Salt ratios, the mold-vs-kahm photo guide, and the occasional new post. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.